Which way is up.

[Capt Cefus]

This may seem a bit trivial, but to some folks it can get confusing.

Here's what I'm talking about.

Chartplotters have the ability to display the chart in a couple different viewing modes.   

NORTH UP means the chart essentially stays static, like you would hold a map oriented with North at the top.  Your position arrow moves around on the chart, and the chart tracks up, down, left or right as your position changes, but the orientation of the chart doesn't change.   

COURSE UP means the chart moves and ROTATES to keep your boats direction basically 'in front' of you.  As you make turns, the chart moves up, down, left, right and ROTATES to keep your course in the UP position of the plotter screen.

PRO's and CON's

NORTH UP:  You can mentally orient yourself on the chart and get a mental picture of where you're going and in what direction.   Position arrow pointing UP = Northerly direction, Position arrow pointing LEFT = Westerly direction.  Most people think of north as up and south as down.   Things can get a bit confusing when you are steering a southerly course and you're focusing on your plotter to assist with navigation.   You look at the chart and know you need to turn left (on the chart) to avoid an obstacle or shallow water.   But, in fact, you must turn the wheel right.   Because you're traveling upside down on the chart screen.   If you're in tight quarters or navigating a narrow channel at night, you have to constantly remind yourself which way is which on the chart and which way to turn the wheel.

COURSE UP:   Everything on the chart related to your position is straight in front of you.  As you turn, the chart rotates.   So, left is left ... and right is right.   Good for navigation in tight spaces and nighttime in narrow channels.   But, for me, I tend to lose my sense of the compass rose, because North isn't 'UP" anymore.   And many plotters take a long time to refresh as the chart rotates.  For me, that's annoying.

It's really a matter of personal preference, I guess.   For me...it's North UP.  Give both options a try on a calm clear day, and see which you prefer better.   My suggestion would be to select one viewing method and stick to it, so you don't get confused if you need to make some quick course corrections.  Turning left when you should be turning right can be disastrous.

Be safe on the water and courteous to others.
Capt. Cefus

[Pressure Drop]

North up for the "Drop" 

[coachb]

YANKEES !!